From SC Fishing Report

Pee Dee Area:
River levels are about perfect for fishing.

Great Pee Dee
Fish the main river for catfish and target bass and panfish in the surrounding oxbow lakes.
Catfish: Good to very good. Catches of catfish are picking up in the main river using eels, large minnows, and goldfish. Fish on the bottom in holes and around channel breaks.
Crappie: Fair. Anglers fishing ox bow lakes off the main channel are starting to report improved catches. Use minnows.


Lynches River
Bream: Good. Anglers are doing well fishing worms, wax worms, and crickets on the bottom.

US Senate Race

According to a press release, Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Buddy Witherspoon defeated U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham in a straw poll that was conducted at the Greenville County Republican Stump Rally over the weekend. Greenville County Republican officials said Buddy Witherspoon clearly won this poll and that it wasn't even close.

The South Carolina Republican Primary will be held June 10.

Do you know who Buddy Witherspoon is? Have you met him or Sen. Graham? Do you think the Republicans in Greenville voted the way people in Darlington County would vote?

Please post your thoughts and experiences with either candidate here.

Reminder: Office Hours

The News & Press office will be open at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 26.

The office will be closed, however, on Friday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day.

Regular office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

RedWolves notebook

The Florence RedWolves announce that they will have a childrens cheerleading team for ages 7-11 for the 2008 season. Call Lindsay Osborne at 616-1920 or 773-3792 for more information.

The RedWolves season opens this week. Media/Fan night is Tuesday from 6pm-8pm at American Legion Field and the home opener is Thursday at 7:30 against the Columbia Blowfish.

RedWolves summer camp begins June 17th and spots are still available. Go to florenceredwolves.com to download an entry form.

From SC Fishing Report

Pee Dee Area:River levels are about perfect for fishing.

Great Pee Dee
Fish the main river for catfish and target bass and panfish in the surrounding oxbow lakes.
Catfish: Good to very good. Catches of catfish are picking up in the main river using eels, large minnows, and goldfish. Fish on the bottom in holes and around channel breaks.
Crappie: Fair. Anglers fishing ox bow lakes off the main channel are starting to report improved catches. Use minnows.

Lynches River
Bream: Good. Anglers are doing well fishing worms, wax worms, and crickets on the bottom.

Furman Faculty Protest President Bush’s Visit to Campus

A vocal group consisting of about half of the faculty and some students at Furman University attacked the university’s decision to invite President Bush to deliver a May 31 commencement address. However, a much larger student-led group supports Bush’s visit.
The faculty wrote a “Petition of Opposition” signed by 222 people. University officials posted the objection letter on the college’s official website here. According to Furman University Director of Media Relations Vince Moore, the petition is signed by half of Furman’s full-time faculty and some students. He added that faculty spouses, alumni, and staff acted as co-signers as well.
Campus club Conservative Students for A Better Tomorrow, a student group in friendly cooperation with the Leadership Institute, in Arlington, Virginia, criticized the faculty’s and university’s actions in a “Support Our Seniors” letter. Here is the student group's response.
The students collected nearly 400 signatures from the Furman community, over 260 of whom are students. The group will request that administrators post their view alongside that of the Bush opponents. The senior class student leadership voted unanimously to invite the President to address the class of 2008.

Do you think the faculty should have said anything? Post your comments below.

Movie theater in Darlington?

So, do we need a movie theater in Darlington? Are we too close to Florence? Is there such a thing? If that's true, then we wouldn't need a WalMart, which we DO need. I say bring it all here-if it works it works, if it doesn't it doesn't. So be it. That's kind of the same way I feel when I use my whole paycheck to buy a lotto ticket.
Wouldn't recommend that however.

Talk Like A Pirate Contest

On June 7, Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach will celebrate the vernacular of the high seas with its first ever Ripley’s Talk Like a Pirate Contest! Being a pirate was mostly a man’s lot during 1650-1730, the heyday of piracy. However, in June, Ripley’s will be welcoming buccaneer wannabees of all sizes and persuasions with the winners taking home a bountiful boatload of booty. Pirates will compete in three categories, kids 14 and under, men and women, with each offering a total of $600 in cash and prizes.
For more information on Ripley’s Talk Like a Pirate Contest, including interactive links on creating a pirate name, suggestions on pirate attire and of course, pirate lingo – visit www.ripleysaquariums.com or Chad Netherland at Ripley’s Aquarium, 843-455-9302.

Meeting Date Cancelled

Due to calendar conflicts, the Darlington County Council Solid Waste Committee meeting scheduled for May 21, 2008 has been cancelled. A new date and time have not been finalized.

Hardees Opened 6 AM Today

Darlington's Hardee's on Main and Broad streets is complete and open for business. The interior has a diner-type atmosphere.


And apparently they have FREE wi-fi.

From SC Fishing Report

Pee Dee Area: River levels are about perfect for fishing.

Great Pee Dee
Fish the main river for catfish and target bass and panfish in the surrounding oxbow lakes.
Catfish: Good to very good. Catches of catfish are picking up in the main river using eels, large minnows, and goldfish. Fish on the bottom in holes and around channel breaks.
Crappie: Fair. Anglers fishing ox bow lakes off the main channel are starting to report improved catches. Use minnows.


Lynches River
Bream: Good. Anglers are doing well fishing worms, wax worms, and crickets on the bottom.

First "full-figured" model wins

The first "full-figured" model, Whitney, wins America's Next Top Model. The Tyra Banks show that airs on CW ended its tenth season tonight.

The show seems superficial on its face but has proven to me to be an interesting look at our culture. A look behind the scenes of print and TV ads. Also, as an artist, I enjoy seeing the subtle moves and gestures that models use to signal different emotions in audiences. In a way, it examines body language, which constitutes more than 50 percent of human communication.

With that in mind, you might want to check out a few episodes. Reruns often air on MTV in blocks. Maybe some TV producers don't mind giving us something to think about ... as long as its buried in pretty package.

--LCR

Continue the discussion. Post your comments below.

Local invited to White House

Dan Vander Meer, CEO of Dutchman Global and Robyn Vander Meer, CFO have both been invited to attend President George W. Bush's remarks in recognition of World Trade Week on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday May 20.

Dan Vander Meer was nominated by Colleen Litkenhaus, Assistant Secretary of Commerce. The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is the key export promotion agency of the federal government. The service has a worldwide network of employees and a mission of assisting small and medium-sized American businesses in exporting their goods and services worldwide.

Dutchman Global was established in 2005 to provide quality heavy equipment to the global earthmoving and mining industry. Dutchman Global currently ships 98% of its equipment overseas to several geographic territories. Dutchman Globals' experienced sales staff sells Caterpillar, Euclid, John Deere, Komatsu and other used equipment.

Located at 208 Prosperity Court in Florence, Dutchman Global currently has 6 sales and administrative employees in the Florence location. Other employees are located in Canada, South Dakota, Dubai and Guyana.

In April 2008, Dutchman Global was nominated as one of South Carolina's fastest growing companies. Dan Vander Meer was also appointed to South Carolina's District Export Council and Dutchman Global received an Export Achievement Award in 2007.

Grand Opening in Lamar

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of its newest member, The Master's Touch Beauty Salon and Barber Shop o5:30 p.m. on Monday May 19.

The Master's Touch is located at 211 Main Street in Lamar, directly across from the Family Dollar Store. Owner and Manager, Denise Johnson and her business partner, Linda Toney purchased the business after operating in that location for 5 years. Johnson is also a native of Lamar and is a licensed Instructor, Cosmetologist and Barber.

Community members helped renovate the building. Johnson states that the business is also a ministry in which community members can come together to help others especially young people. The business offers an onsite Barbering and Cosmetology School with plans to branch off and establish a public school in the area. Johnson also states that there is diversity among the employees and customers because the business caters to different races. In addition, Master's Touch is the only nail salon in Lamar.

Stylists are owner and manager, Denise Johnson, Heather Perrotti, Latoya Goodman and Tawanna Bines. The stylists offer women's, men's and children's haircuts, relaxers and braids in addition to many more.

Walk in's are welcome as well as appointments. For more information contact Denise Johnson at 843-326-1362.

Ovis Hill Farm/Naturally Outdoors Farmers Market

Saturday we finished the first round of shearing (the woolliest of the woolies) and of course had a cold rain that night. Jonathan left enough wool so that the freshly shorn did OK, even though they no doubt were a little chilly. Jonathan and his son Ben will be back in several weeks to finish up and we will let you know when so that you may visit. We are grateful for the many kindnesses shown by our customers to us and to other customers. We feel very Blessed. We do need help setting up and/or running our farmers market as well as the farm store, so if anyone has time and interest for helping please let me know. Helping with set up takes about 30 minutes and is a huge help. Please share any ideas you may have on ways to improve the way we serve you.

Come visit us Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at NATURALLY OUTDOORS, 2519 W Palmetto St., Florence
We will have an even better supply of wonderful fresh green and yellow vegetables!! There should be a good selection of beef, free range chicken, and lamb. There should be a good supply of eggs, milk and cheese. Grains and raisins are back!
“SCRATCH AND DENT” SALE: 25% off marked price! Please look for a cooler with chicken and beef packages that have lost their vacuum. The cause is usually a hole, usually so small it cannot be seen, that allows in air and moisture. Because the packages are stored at zero there is no freezer burn and even though there is nothing wrong, their appearance is not good. Our family has used them for years with excellent results.
NEW VEGETABLES: We’ll have a limited supply of new yellow squash and zucchini as well as good supply of greens although some are still in limited quantities: black seed simpson lettuce, spinach, tendergreens, baby collards, onions, baby garlic, maybe baby onions and garlic. There will be a few bags of shelled sweet peas, and lots of sweet snow peas that you just eat shell and all!
MILK and EGGS: We have a good supply of white and chocolate milk, buttermilk, and eggs!
COFFEE: Aroma Underground has closed but with Wes Andrews help we will continue to offer Larry’s fair trade and organic coffee by the bag. As last week, we plan to brew an urn of coffee for a complimentary cup. Last week we used Larry’s Costa Little Ricky. Please come have a cup of coffee with us.
PET FOOD: We have a supply of the Oaklyn Plantation (David White) ground chicken pet food at $2.50/LB. Please let me know if you want me to bring it to market.
BEEF, LAMB AND CHICKEN: We have a very good selection of hamburger, roasts, stew, flanks, and a few steaks! This week we will have a very good supply of lamb! The mutton sausage did very well and we will produce more. We have a few chicken breasts and plenty of drumsticks, wings, maybe some other cuts, whole birds and cut up whole birds
FARM VISIT: You are welcome to visit our farm store. Hours are 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday, and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Friday and Saturday. To visit at other times, please call 843-992-9447 for appointment.

Spring Sheep Shearing

Ovis Hill Farm will be shearing most of the flock today and tomorrow morning. The shepherds are truly at the mercy of the weather and shearers schedule. Jonathan began yesterday and now that the thunderstorms seem to have passed, it seems safe to invite visitors. With enough sheep dry in the barn to get us started today while the others dry in the spring breezes and sun, they will shear throughout the day till about 6 or 7 PM tonight and begin again tomorrow morning and work till sometime midday. Visitors are welcome. For later this evening or near midday tomorrow, please call 843-992-9447 cell or 843-346-3646 store to verify we are still working.

Photos from May 8 practice

Photos courtesy of NASCAR media

from SC Fishing Report

Pee Dee Area: River levels are about perfect for fishing.

Great Pee Dee: Fish the main river for catfish and target bass and panfish in the surrounding oxbow lakes.
Catfish: Good to very good. Catches of catfish are picking up in the main river using eels, large minnows, and goldfish. Fish on the bottom in holes and around channel breaks.
Crappie: Fair. Anglers fishing ox bow lakes off the main channel are starting to report improved catches. Use minnows.

Lynches River: Bream: Good. Anglers are doing well fishing worms, wax worms, and crickets on the bottom.

RedWolves notebook

The Florence RedWolves announce that they are going green for the 2008 season. The RedWolves are partnering with Waste Management to recycle plastic bottles and cans at the ballpark. "We feel that we need to start doing our part to help the environment and a big part of our trash during a game is the plastic drink bottles and cans. Both of these are major items in recycling efforts and Waste Management has agreed to join us and help educate our fans on what they can do to help the environment as well. Waste Management will provide us with containers for our fans to put these items in, then they will pick up the containers and take them to there facility. The RedWolves hope that we can take a lead role in getting our community to take a more active role in recycling."

Palmetto Eatern Railroad Modelers

To inquire about joining the Palmetto Eastern Railroad Modelers, contact Bryan Howle at Bandit’s Hobbies. Call 393-3333 or drop by the shop at 273 Auction Avenue in Darlington. There’s also a forum about trains on Bandit’s Web site, www.banditshobbies.com.
The Club is also hugely appreciative of materials or monetary donations from industries and individuals as they begin constructing their historical rendering of Darlington railroads.

Dreadlocks is Going Home!

For those of you who haven't been following American Idol, it's down to the final three tonight. Jason Castro was sent home after he "shot the Tambourine Man." Personally, I'll probably pick up his CD when he does get signed. He was definitely one of my favorites.

The weirdest moment was the segway to a commercial promoting a Taylor Hicks stamp. I was most disturbed by the use of the verb "lick" in the same sentence as Taylor Hicks. There has to be someone more deserving of an official stamp than that.

Who do you think will win in the end? Post your response in the comments to this blog.

-Lisa Chalian-Rock

Lucky Cat Tells His Tale

(As it appeared in the April 3rd edition of the News & Press)
To All the People in Darlington, Hello—
My name is Lucky. I am a very fortunate cat because someone saved my life. You see, my owner died and left me with my 51 friends in our home. A nice man, a friend of our owner, inherited the home we lived in and also inherited 52 cats. My friends and I had food and water but we also had fleas and illness. It was an overwhelming task to care for us.
I became very sick and anorexic. I really wanted to live, but most of my strength was gone. Somehow, I crawled from my home and made it to my neighbor’s house. I could barely “meow” or hold my head up. Two ladies picked me up and one lady drove me to an emergency clinic in Lugoff, SC. Much of my blood was gone from fleas and my veins were hard. The nice lady brought me home to Florence. No one thought I could live.
A very nice man, Dr. Chuck Hewitt at Westside Veterinary Clinic, did everything he could to save me. My name is “Lucky,” and with prayers and Dr. Hewitt’s help, I am alive and well! They tell me I am the strong one because I alerted some friends and neighbors that help was needed in our home for my 51 “friends.”
These ladies came in with flea medicine, shots, antibiotics, and started with my buddies. They cleaned litter boxes and washed our water bowls. They even had time to sit on the floor with us and rub our heads. You see, we needed medicine and we needed love because we were sick and frightened.
It’s been almost ten months since I made that trip to Lugoff. Many things have happened. Several of my friends didn’t survive, but most of us did. We have had shots and been neutered and spayed. Some have been adopted (free) to good, loving homes. We have been loved and taken care of by my lady friends. The ladies feel that God surely had His hand in our ten-month journey.
Friendships became deeper and some things became important in life while other things didn’t seem important at all anymore.
I have just a few very special cat friends left at the home. The house is for sale, and my special friends need to be adopted to very loving homes. Some of us are still a bit skittish, but we are willing to try to be good kitties if someone will love us and give us a good home. We would be so grateful.
My name is Lucky, and God gave me a second chance at life.
Contact: 907-3225 or 393-6494

RedWolves notebook

The 2008 RedWolves pocket schedules are out and will in businesses all around the Pee Dee area soon. Also the 2008 game hats are in, get yours before the season starts. The fan favorite white hat with red bill is back and new this season is the tri color pin wheel hat. Hat cost is $22 each.

The RedWolves will be holding their annual Faith and Family Night with Lesa Hudson on Sunday June 8th. Pre game Praise Rally will begin at 5pm and game time is at 6pm. Hudson will be performing original songs and other contempory songs of praise. Group ticket rates are available call the RedWolves office for more information.

Host families are still needed for the 2008 season. Call the RedWolves office if interested in hosting a player for the summer from May 26th - mid August.

Dressing up the Square

Around and near the Public Square, you may notice the fire hydrants have been painted. Each one is different, and these are just two. The firemen painted them last week. Thanks to Curtis Boyd for the photos!

From SC Fishing Report

Great Pee Dee
Fish the main river for catfish and target bass and panfish in the surrounding oxbow lakes.
Catfish: Good to very good. Catches of catfish are picking up in the main river using cut eels. Fish on the bottom in holes and around channel breaks.
Crappie: Fair. Anglers fishing ox bow lakes off the main channel are starting to report improved catches. Use minnows.


Lynches River
Bass: Slow to fair. Some bass are starting to be caught but fishing should improve as the water warms. Use crankbaits and soft plastics.
Bream: Slow to fair. Fish worms on the bottom. Catches will continue to improve as the water warms.